Pruning

1
Pruning

• A Systems Approach to Tree Care
• Rosemary Eiden - January 2000

2
Introduction

• A tree has 5 major periods
• Why prune?
• When to prune
• How to prune
• Correct methods of pruning on shrubs
• Correct methods of pruning on trees
• Correct methods of pruning on evergreens
• Pruning tools

3
Growth Periods

• Throughout a 1 year cycle, a tree has five major
  periods. The trees stored energy fluctuates as
  a result of what occurs during these periods.

4
Energy Curve
5
Period One (February - March)

• The tree is waking up for the year
• Growth is beginning but very little
  photosynthesis is taking place
• The tree is running on reserve energy from the
  previous year

6
Period Two (April)

• Leaf formation is the major activity
• Because photosynthesis is minimal the tree must
  take a great deal of energy out of its energy
  reserves
• The tree is at its lowest energy level
• Insects and pathogens are becoming active

7
Period Three (May - July)

• Photosynthesis increases dramatically. New
  leaves produce energy.
• Most energy is being used up in leaf formation
• All the trees growth occurs within 6-8 weeks
  after full leaf extension

8
Period 4 (August - September)

• The tree begins storing energy
• Much of the seasonal growth is complete

9
Period 5 (October - January)

• This is the dormant period or when the tree is at
  rest
• Leaves fall
• The tree idles through winter

10
Why Prune?

• Pruning reduces or maintains the size of a tree
  or shrub
• Pruning removes dead, diseased, or broken
  branches
• Pruning stimulates future flower and fruit
  development
• Pruning old, established trees or shrubs helps to
  rejuvenate them
• Pruning decreases danger of injury and/or damage
  to property
• Pruning shapes plants into an unnatural form

11
When to Prune?

• If a tree or shrub flowers before the end of
  June, prune immediately after flowering
• If a tree or shrub flowers after June 30th, prune
  in the winter or immediately before new growth
  starts
• Evergreens may be pruned at any time of the year
  when the wood is frozen
• Avoid late summer pruning (August - September)

12
How to Prune?

• Always thin a shrub or tree, and allow it to
  develop its natural shape
• Do not leave stubs
• Establish alternate branches, and do not remove a
  central leader on trees
• Leave limbs which have strong, wide crotch angles
• Use the double cut method when removing large
  limbs (over 2 dia.)
• Do not pollar a mature tree

13
Pruning cuts

• Leave at least 1/4 of the branch above the bud.
  (Far left is correct)

14
Pruning branches

• Wrong way Right way

15
Pruning large limbs

• To remove branches 3 or larger - use a 3-cut
  procedure.
• Make an undercut first
• Second cut off limb from top
• 3rd cut limb close to collar

16
Follow the trees form
17
Pruning hedges

• Right way Wrong way

18
Renewal pruning
19
Removing spent blooms

• Old lilac blooms are removed above newly forming
  buds.

20
Pruning evergreens

• Remove candles on top and sides of red, white,
  and scotch pines to maintain a compact appearance.

21
Pruning tools

• Scissors vs. anvil

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Pruning tools